Man-portable unitary and integrated platform systems and system segments and methods for employing system segments

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided for employing man-portable unitary platform system segments, particularly as components of integrated castle defense systems. A lightweight modular and mobile system of integrated platform segments is provided to facilitate users integrating flexible platform configurations secured to existing wall structures to support myriad user tasks. Individual platform system segments can be autonomously employed, or can be linked together after being quickly attached to a wall, a structure, or another supporting surface by two users in minimal time. In law enforcement, security, military and/or paramilitary employment scenarios, individual platform system segments are emplaced, and linked together, to provide a unitary defensible position in a matter of minutes. An overall platform structure of a plurality of individual man-portable platform system segments provides operational and employment flexibility that was previously unattainable to bolster or boost defenses of a particular position against increasing, and increasingly agile, threats.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing andemploying man-portable unitary platforms and platform system segments,particularly as components of integrated castle defense and battledefense systems.

2. Related Art

There are increasing numbers of operating and employment scenarios inwhich stable structure-supported man-portable platforms may beeffectively used. These scenarios include commercial employment withrespect to many residential and commercial structures in support of suchtasks as painting, pressure washing, and other structural constructionand/or maintenance tasks. Moreover, these scenarios include emplacementof defensible positions for law enforcement, security, military andparamilitary operations.

Conventionally, as an example in battle defense employment scenarios,large-scale fortifications may be built according to a model that isgenerally referred to as a “Tower and Wall” configuration. In thisconventional configuration, permanent or semi-permanent wall sectionsare typically erected between two permanent or semi-permanent defensibleposition towers. The tower and wall configuration may require combatconstruction, including heavy equipment employment to engineer theconcrete fortifications that are at the center of the concept. Avariation on this theme employs pre-fabricated mesh steel skeletonsovercoated with some semi-permeable or impermeable fabric-type componentas an outer skin to form individual constraining wall components. Thesewall components are unfolded and erected, and then filled with, forexample, sand, available stones, or other like commonly-availablematerials.

Shortfalls in the conventional solutions include that they are manpowerand equipment intensive, taking hours and often heavy support equipmentto emplace. As such, they are comparatively expensive in requiringextensive time, money and specified materials for the formation of thedefensible positions. The positions themselves tend also to beinflexible and generally afford no capacity for movement betweendifferent defensive positions along and between the walls of an in-placefortress structure. This tends to cause these positions to berestrictive in the ability of a defending force to respond to an agilethreat capable of providing either increased force presentation alongmultiple axes of approach, or agility to adjust an axis of approach ofan aggressor force toward a defensible position.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In view of the above-specified shortfalls in conventional battle defensesystems, it would be advantageous to provide systems and methods thatare flexible enough to allow defenders to, for example, improve existingdefenses in response to dynamic tactical situations. Properlyconfigured, a flexible, easily configurable/re-configurable platformsystem of integrated modular components may provide significantadvantages over conventional battlement products. Such platform systemsmay additionally find commercial utility in replacing the multipledisparate components that are currently used to form cumbersome ladderand scaffolding structures in support of structural manufacturing,remodeling and/or maintenance tasks.

Exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to thisdisclosure may provide a lightweight modular and mobile system ofintegrated platform segments that may facilitate users integratingflexible platform configurations secured to existing wall structures tosupport myriad user tasks.

Exemplary embodiments may provide man-portable platform system segmentsthat can be autonomously employed, or can be linked together after beingquickly attached to a wall, a structure, or another supporting surfaceby two users in minimal time.

In law enforcement, security, military and/or paramilitary employmentscenarios, exemplary embodiments may be emplaced, and linked together,to provide a unitary defensible position in a matter of minutes. Anoverall platform structure of a plurality of individual man-portableplatform system segments may provide operational and employmentflexibility that was previously unattainable. In this manner, employmentof the disclosed systems may easily bolster or boost defenses of aparticular position against increasing, and increasingly agile, threats.

Exemplary embodiments may be adaptable for use with existing structuresof all types without requiring separate combat construction ofspecifically adaptable structures.

In exemplary embodiments, the integrated design of the man-portableplatform system segments may allow individual users to arrive at anemployment site carrying only the integrated structure with everythingthat is required for stable placement and use of the structure to anumber of advantageous operational scenarios, i.e., no other tools beingrequired for emplacement and employment. In embodiments, support points,connecting points, and ancillary equipment (and connections for thatancillary equipment to the individual platform system segments) may beof standardized configurations to facilitate ease of use with a fullspectrum of supporting and/or supported compatible components.

Exemplary embodiments may provide a holistic system for easy emplacementwhere walls exist but no (or limited) defensible positions are provided.

These and other features, and advantages, of the disclosed systems andmethods are described in, or apparent from, the following detaileddescription of various exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods forproviding and employing man-portable unitary platforms and platformsystem segments, particularly as components of integrated castle defenseand battle defense systems, will be described, in detail, with referenceto the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment according tothis disclosure as it would be deployed for use;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment deployed foruse in contact with a supporting structure, including certain additionalsystem components for use with the platform system segment, according tothis disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment intransition between a transport (stowed) configuration and an operating(open) configuration according to this disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment in atransport (stowed) configuration according to this disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment in thetransport (stowed) configuration according to this disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for effectingoperational emplacement of a man-portable integrated and unitaryplatform system segment in an operating configuration according to thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The systems and methods for providing and employing man-portable unitaryplatforms, platform systems and platform system segments, particularlyas components of integrated castle defense and battle defense systemsaccording to this disclosure, will generally refer to this specificutility for those systems and methods. Exemplary embodiments describedand depicted in this disclosure should not be interpreted as beingspecifically limited to any particular configuration of the depictedplatform system segments, or to any particular operational or employmentscenario for such platform system segments. Any advantageousconfiguration and/or use of a man-portable unitary platform systemsegment employing components, devices, systems, techniques, methodsand/or schemes such as those discussed in detail in this disclosure iscontemplated. The disclosed schemes may be applicable, for example, tolaw enforcement, security, military and/or paramilitary employmentscenarios in which defensible positions may be erected and maintained,or static offensive positions may be erected and maintained in supportof the operational objectives of the employing entities.

Specific reference to, for example, any particular structural element,component or unit configuration, including but not limited to,configurations of the platform, the platform frame, the upright(hanging) elements, the underlying stabilizing and support structure,locking components (including mechanical locking pins) for lockingelements in particular configurations relative to one another and/ormyriad standard components for supporting, or being supported by, theman-portable unitary platform system segment, as described and depictedbelow, and generally throughout this disclosure, should be understood asbeing exemplary only, and not limiting, in any manner, to any particularclass of such components, materials for manufacturing such components,or configurations of such components. The systems and methods accordingto this disclosure will be described as being particularly adaptable toproviding comparatively easily-emplaced platform structures for use in acastle-defense scenario as that term is generally understood by militaryand paramilitary professionals and operators worldwide. These referencesare meant to be illustrative only in providing a single real-worldutility for the disclosed systems and methods, and should not beconsidered as limiting the disclosed systems and methods to only certainoperating scenarios while discounting, for example, standard commercialapplications or such platform system segments. Virtually any operatingor employment scenario that may benefit from the provision of alightweight, integrated structure-supported platform system that maybenefit from the disclosed configurations, schemes and/or techniques,and reasonable variations thereof, is contemplated as being encompassedwithin the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

This disclosure is directed to systems and methods by which pairs ofusers may transport platform system segments to an employment site. Onceat the employment site, the integrated configuration of the platformsystem segment may provide the pair of users everything that they needto configure and place the platform system segment on an existingsupport structure with no requirement for additional polls as all of theelements for placement, stabilization and use may be parts or componentsof the single integrated structure that is the individual man-portableunitary platform system segment.

The disclosed schemes may provide a lightweight, mobile and modularplatform that may easily be emplaced by two operators in less than twominutes with all of the elements that are required for security, safetyand operational employment of the platform once in place. The disclosedschemes may provide a standard configuration of support and/orconnecting points that allow for easy connection of a plurality ofplatform system segments employing only standardized componentconfigurations and/or standardized connecting pin components to minimizeany requirement for additional “pieces” or tools. It is anticipatedthat, for example, to emplace the walkway according to the disclosedschemes along an entire structure that encloses an area the size of afootball field may employ as many as 180 individual platform segments,free hanging and/or connected together in manageable groups or subsets.

The disclosed schemes may provide, for example, a system of mounts formatching existing support and/or defense equipment with existing wallsat an employment site. Such existing support and/or defense equipmentmay include, but not be limited to, machine gun mounts. Long RangeAcoustic Device (LRAD) mounts, ballistic armor panels, storage baskets(for, for example, supplies, ammunition and/or provisions storage),razor wire, sniper shields, environmental coverings, stools, steps,ladders, safety rails, safety tethers/straps and the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment 100according to this disclosure as it would be deployed for use.

As shown in FIG. 1, the exemplary platform system segment 100 mayinclude a framed platform element 110. The framed platform element 110may include side frame components 112,114 along either side of theframed platform element 110 with a structure facing frame component 116and a structure-opposite frame component 118. Each of at least the sideframe components 112,114 and the structure-opposite frame component 118may include, space at regular intervals, structural openings (see thewhite dots in FIG. 1) for accommodating connecting elements andcomponents, which may include, for example, mechanical retaining pins,e.g., spring pins, cotter key pins, or other like known structuralpin-type connecting components.

The exemplary platform system segment 100 may include, on each side,articulated platform hanging hook components 120,140. Each articulatedplatform hanging hook component 120,140 may be comprised of a structuralengagement hook element 122,142. Each structural engagement hook element122,142 may be integrally formed with an upper upright hanger component124,144 of the respective platform hanging hook components 120,140.Alternatively, each structural engagement hook element 122,142 may beengaged with the respective upper upright hanger component 124,144 viaan intervening mechanical member 130,150, respectively. The interveningmechanical member 130,150 may be in a form of an articulated joint toprovide additional flexibility in the placement of the structuralengagement hook elements 122,142 with respect to the supportingstructure. Alternatively, or additionally, the intervening mechanicalmember 130,150, may be in a form of a mechanical component, for example,a screw device, by which a horizontal distance L between a verticalportion of the engagement hook element 142 and the respective upperupright hanger component 144 may be adjusted, or otherwise modified, forflexibility, safety and security in attachment of the exemplary platformsystem segment 100 to different structures and/or structural attachmentpoints.

Each of the articulated platform hanging hook components 120,140 may befurther comprised of a lower upright hanger component 126,146respectively connected to the upper upright hanger component 124,144 atan articulated mechanical joint 132,152. In turn, each of thearticulated platform hanging hook components 120,140 may be connected tothe framed platform element 110 via an articulated mechanical joint134,154 emplaced between the lower upright hanger component 126,146 anda respective side frame component 112,114 of the framed platform element110. Each of the articulated mechanical joints 132,134,152,154 may beconfigured in a manner to articulate only in a single articulatingdirection to facilitate folding of the articulated platform hanging hookcomponent 120,140 with respect to the framed platform element 110 (seeFIGS. 3-5). In embodiments, each of the articulated mechanical joints132,134,152,154 may be configured to provide unimpeded mechanicalmovement in the single articulating direction. In other embodiments, thearticulated mechanical joints 132,134,152,154 may be configured toprovide additional degrees of freedom in them or in the movement of thecomponents they connect, and/or to provide additional mechanicaldevices, such as, for example, screw-type devices that may be usable toimpede a freedom of movement between the components that the articulatedmechanical joints 132,134,152,154 connect and/or to lock thosecomponents in place, for example, in an operating configuration such asthat shown in FIG. 1 or a transport (stowed) configuration such as thatshown in FIG. 4. In embodiments, at least the middle articulatedmechanical joints 132,152 may be configured in a manner that allows anadjustment of an overall extended length of the platform hanging hookcomponents 120,140 by providing a capacity by which to be slid alongand/or secured to other than an end of one or more of the upper/lowerupright hanger components 124,126,144,146, respectively.

To provide appropriate stability, security, and weight-bearing capacityfor the framed platform element 110 in operation hanging from astructure, a stabilizing element may be provided. The stabilizingelement may comprise a structure engaging portion 160 and a pair ofstabilizing legs 162,164. The stabilizing legs 162,164 may be secured tothe framed platform 110 via the mechanical pin-type components describedabove protruding through appropriate ones of the physical openings inthe side frame components 112,114. In order to ensure proper placementand stability, the stabilizing element may include one or more verticalelements 166,168, which may be in the form of solid structures, cables,chains or the like that may control placement of the stabilizing elementwith respect to the framed platform element 110. The individualcomponents making up the stabilizing element may be permanently affixedto one another, or may be affixed to one another in operation via somemechanical interconnection including, for example, being screwedtogether or otherwise being accommodated in fitted openings in thevarious components to facilitate easily being put together and takenapart. It is anticipated that all of the elements of the parts of thestabilizing element will be accommodated in the exemplary platformsystem segment 100 in its transport (stowed) configuration in order thatall of the elements necessary for construction and emplacement of theexemplary platform system segment 100 will the available to the user asa complete package when the user arrives carrying the exemplary platformsystem segment 100 at the employment site.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment 200 deployedfor use in contact with a supporting structure 205, including certainadditional system components (which will be described in greater detailbelow) for use with the exemplary platform system segment 200, accordingto this disclosure. Note that similar elements in each of the figuresare similarly numbered.

The exemplary platform system segment 200 is shown mounted to thesupporting structure 205 with the various elements of the articulatedplatform hanging hook components generally in contact with thesupporting structure 205. These elements include the structuralengagement hook element 242, intervening mechanical member 250, theupper upright hanger component 244, the articulated mechanical joint252, the lower upright hanger component 246, and the articulatedmechanical joint 254. A structure facing frame element (not shown) ofthe framed platform element is also in contact with the supportstructure, as is a structure engaging portion 260 of the stabilizingelement held in place by stabilizing leg 264 and vertical element 268.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the myriad additional systemcomponents for use with the exemplary platform system segment 200.Connection of a number of these elements to the exemplary platformsystem segment 200 may be via the structural openings that are spaced atregular intervals in the frame components of the framed platform element(see the white dots side frame element 214 in FIG. 2). Others of theseelements may be mechanically connected to other portions of theexemplary platform system segment 200 in a similar manner or via otherstandard similar mechanical devices. As examples of the additionalsystem components for use with the exemplary platform system segment 200shown in FIG. 2, are (1) an accommodating ladder 280, which may bereplaceable by, for example, steps or a stool or other like device; (2)a safety barrier 282, which may be in the form of, for example, safetyrail or a ballistic armor panel or both; and (3) a shield element 284,which may be in a form of a sniper shield or simply provided as anelement for limiting exposure to environmental elements includingweather, sunlight, sandstorms and the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment 300 intransition between a transport (stowed) configuration (see FIG. 4) andan operating (open) configuration (see FIGS. 1 and 2) according to thisdisclosure.

The exemplary platform system segment 300 may be folded and unfolded asshown in FIG. 3. The articulated platform hanging hook componentsincluding the engagement hook element 342 and intervening mechanicalmember 350 along with the upper upright hanger component 344 may befolded by being rotated in direction B about the articulated mechanicaljoint 352 while the lower upright hanger component 346 is beingsimilarly rotated in direction B about the articulated mechanical joint354. Unfolding the components involves rotating each of the portions inthe opposite direction (direction A shown in FIG. 3). Additionally,during the folding operation, the stabilizing leg 364 of the stabilizingelement may be removed from its attachment point at one of thestructural openings 315 in the side frame element 314 of the framedplatform element. In embodiments in which the vertical component 368 ofthe stabilizing element is flexible, the attachment of the particlecomponent 368 to the side frame element 314 and to the stabilizing leg364 may be maintained while the stabilizing element is stowed in abottom of the framed platform element in direction C.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment 400 in atransport (stowed) configuration according to this disclosure. As shownin FIG. 4, the upper upright hanger component 444 and the lower uprighthanger component 446 are folded to their transport (stowed)configuration to be essentially in a side profile of the side frameelement 414 of the framed platform element. In this configuration, theupper/lower upright hanger components 444/446 may be secured in place bya mechanical pin type structure 490.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of aman-portable integrated and unitary platform system segment 500 in thetransport (stowed) configuration according to this disclosure. As shownin FIG. 5, the structural elements of the articulated platform hanginghook components are shown having been rotated about the interveningmechanical members 530,550 and the articulated mechanical joints532,534,552,554, and are secured by the mechanical pin-like components590,592 to either side of the frame of the framed platform element 510.

The disclosed embodiments may include an exemplary method for effectingoperational emplacement of a man-portable integrated and unitaryplatform system segment in an operating configuration. FIG. 6illustrates a flowchart of such an exemplary method. As shown in FIG. 6,operation of the method commences at Step S6000 and proceeds to StepS6100.

In Step S6100, at least one man-portable unitary platform system segmentmay be delivered to an employment site. In the disclosed configurations,it is anticipated that the at least one man-portable unitary platformsystem segment will be comparatively easily man transportable by no morethan two users. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S6200.

In Step S6200, retaining pins, which are placed to hold the upright hookextension components in their transport (stowed) position may be removedto facilitate upright hook extension with respect to the base platformcomponent on the at least one man-portable unitary platform systemsegment. The retaining pins may be attached, for example, by cables tothe frame of the base platform component in order that all of the partsand/or elements of the at least one man-portable unitary platform systemsegment remain attached to one another for transport, assembly andemployment. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S6300.

In Step S6300, a pair of users may elevate the base platform componentof the at least one man-portable unitary platform system segment inorder that extended upright hook extension components may be used toengage at least one of a sill, a wall top or other similar engagementssurface at the employment site. Operation of the method proceeds to StepS6400.

In Step S6400, an operating length of the upright retaining hooks of theat least one man-portable unitary platform system segment may beadjusted to optimize a height of the base platform component withrespect to the engaged still, wall top or other similar engagementsurface. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S6500.

In Step S6500, a stabilizing element may be positioned with respect tothe base platform component to level and stabilize the base platformcomponent with respect to the engaged structure at the employment site.Operation of the method proceeds to Step S6600.

In Step S6600, at least one of a railing component, a security componentand a ladder component may be installed to the base platform componentof the at least one man-portable unitary platform system segment. Suchattachment may be by using, for example, additional retaining pins toattach the various components to the side frames of the base platformcomponent. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S6700.

In Step S6700, a plurality of base platform components may be connectedtogether to increase an overall working surface of the base platformprovided. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S6800.

In Step S6800, the plurality of base platform components may be securedto one another using retaining pin components. Operation of the methodproceeds to Step S6900, where operation of the method ceases.

The above-described exemplary systems and methods reference certainconventional and/or known physical and mechanical components to providea brief, general description of suitable structures and operatingenvironments in which the subject matter of this disclosure may beimplemented for familiarity and ease of understanding. No materials forthe construction of the various components are specified such thatmaterials may be selected for optimal employment with the objectives oflight overall weights and significant structural integrity in a deployedoperating configuration attached to a structure.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter may be practiced with structures of manydifferent configurations. Embodiments according to this disclosure maybe practiced in various working environments.

The exemplary depicted sequence of executable instructions (or methodsteps) represents one example of a corresponding sequence of acts forimplementing the functions described in the steps of the above-outlinedexemplary method. The exemplary depicted steps may be executed in anyreasonable order to effect the objectives of the disclosed embodiments.No particular order to the disclosed steps of the method is necessarilyimplied by the depiction in FIG. 6, except where execution of aparticular method step is a necessary precondition to execution of anyother method step. Not all of the steps of the method depicted in FIG. 6need be executed by any system according to this disclosure to implementembodiments of the disclosed schemes.

Although the above description may contain specific details, they shouldnot be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurationsof the described embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods arepart of the scope of this disclosure.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also,various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements thereinmay be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are alsointended to be encompassed by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. An integrated, lightweight platform system, comprising: atleast one base platform segment comprising a support area configured tosupport users and materials in operation; a pair of multi-element hangercomponents movably attached by attaching components substantially atcorners of the at least one base platform segment by which the at leastone base platform segment is suspended from a structure; and asupporting and leveling element that is suspended from an underside ofthe at least one base platform segment to support, stabilize and levelthe at least one base platform segment in operation, the pair ofmulti-element hanger components being rotatable about the attachingcomponents between a first stowed position and a second operatingposition, the first stowed position provided for securing the pair ofmulti-element hanger components with a principal longitudinal axis ofthe pair of multi-element hanger components substantially parallel to aplane of the at least one base platform segment, and the secondoperating position orienting the principal longitudinal axis of the pairof multi-element hanger components substantially orthogonally to theplane of the at least one base platform segment.
 2. The system of claim1, each of the pair of multi-element hanger components comprising: alower extended element movably attached to the at least one baseplatform via a respective attaching component; and an upper extendedelement movably attached to the lower extended element via a mechanicaljoint element, the mechanical joint element allowing freedom of movementbetween the lower extended element and the upper extended element forfolding the lower extended element and the upper extended element withrespect to each other.
 3. The system of claim 2, the upper extendedelement including a hanger hook element positioned at an end of theupper extended element opposite an end of the upper extended elementthat is attached to the lower extended element via the mechanical jointelement.
 4. The system of claim 3, the hanger hook element being formedintegrally with the upper extended element.
 5. The system of claim 3,the hanger hook element being attached to the upper extended element viaa mechanical tightening component, the mechanical tightening componentallowing a user to modify a size of a gap formed between the upperextended element and a portion of the hangar hook element that extendssubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the upper extendedelement.
 6. The system of claim 1, the at least one base platformsegment further comprising a frame structure surrounding the supportarea, the frame structure including a plurality of openings configuredto accept connecting components for securing the pair of multi-elementhanger components in the first stowed position.
 7. The system of claim6, the connecting components being locking pins movably secured to theat least one base platform segment.
 8. The system of claim 7, thesupporting and leveling element comprising: a structure contact member;a pair of leg members; and at least one connecting member, the pair ofleg members and the at least one connecting member cooperating tostabilize and level the at least one base platform segment in operationby selectively positioning the structure contact member in contact withthe structure.
 9. The system of claim 8, the pair of leg members beingattached to the at least one base platform segment using the lockingpins as connecting components cooperating with respective ones of theplurality of openings in the frame structure.
 10. The system of claim 8,the supporting and leveling element being secured to an underside of theat least one base platform segment in a profile of the frame structurein a stowed transport configuration.
 11. The systems of claim 7, theplurality of openings being configured to accept cooperating support andattachment elements on one or more additional structures supportable bythe at least one base platform segment in operation.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, the one or more additional structures being locked to theframe structure using the locking pins.
 13. The system of claim 11, theone or more additional structures including one or more of a ladder, asupply bin, a safety rail and a supported shelter structure.
 14. Thesystem of claim 6, further comprising at least a second base platformsegment connected to the at least one base platform segment.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, the at least the second base platform segment beingconnected to the at least one base platform segment by mechanicalelements configured to cooperate with the plurality of openings in theframe structure of the at least one base platform segment.
 16. A methodfor employing an integrated, lightweight platform system, comprising:providing the integrated, lightweight platform system at an employmentsite, the integrated, lightweight platform system beingman-transportable to the employment site, the integrated, lightweightplatform system, comprising: at least one base platform segment having asupport area configured to support users and materials in operation; apair of multi-element hanger components movably attached by attachingcomponents substantially at corners of the at least one base platformsegment by which the at least one base platform segment is suspendedfrom a structure; and a supporting and leveling element that issuspended from an underside of the at least one base platform segment tosupport, stabilize and level the at least one base platform segment inoperation; the pair of multi-element hanger components being rotatableabout the attaching components between a first stowed position and asecond operating position, the first stowed position providing forsecuring the pair of multi-element hanger components with a principallongitudinal axis of the pair of multi-element hanger componentssubstantially parallel to a plane of the at least one base platform, andthe second operating position orienting the principal longitudinal axisof the pair of multi-element hanger components substantiallyorthogonally to the plane of the at least one base platform; rotatingthe pair of multi-element hanger components out of the first stowedposition; engaging a structure at the employment site with a hanger hookelement positioned at an end of each of the pair of multi-element hangercomponents opposite the attaching components; releasing the supportingand leveling element from a stowed position in the at least one baseplatform segment and suspending the supporting and leveling element fromthe underside of the at least one base platform segment to support,stabilize and level the at least one base platform segment in operationagainst the structure.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprisingattaching the supporting and leveling element to the at least one baseplatform segment using locking pins as connecting components cooperatingwith respective ones of a plurality of openings in a frame structure ofthe at least one base platform segment.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising attaching cooperating support elements of one or moreadditional structures supportable by the at least one base platformsegment in operation via the plurality of openings configured to acceptthe cooperating support elements.
 19. The method of claim 18, the one ormore additional structures being locked to the frame structure using thelocking pins, and the one or more additional structures including one ormore of a ladder, a supply bin, a safety rail and a supported shelterstructure.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: providing atleast a second base platform segment at the employment site; andelevating and connecting the at least the second base platform segmentthe at least one base platform segment, the connecting beingaccomplished by mechanical elements configured to cooperate with theplurality of openings in the frame structure of the at least one baseplatform segment.